Indycar Reveals 2028 Model Set to Redefine Racing Standards

WHO:

Fox News - IndyCar, Dallara, Honda, Chevrolet, Firestone, Shell, J. Douglas Boles (IndyCar president), Stefano dePonti (Dallara USA CEO), Alex Palou (reigning four-time series champion), Eric Warren (GM vice president of global motorsports competition), David Salters (Honda Racing Corporation USA president).

WHAT:

Fox News - The IR-28 chassis is the first designed with the Aeroscreen and hybrid powertrains in mind.

Fox News - The new chassis will provide more sponsorship space due to its overall body design.

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 aims to surpass long-standing track records, including those at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway set in 1996 by Arie Luyendyk.

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 will feature a digital car position display that shows real-time track position during practice, qualifying, and races.

Motorsport.com - The new chassis will include a transparent engine window to showcase Chevrolet and Honda branding.

Fox News - IndyCar unveiled the IR-28 chassis, set to replace the current DW12 chassis that has been in use since 2012.

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 is designed to be approximately 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor and aims to achieve faster lap times and improved safety.

Fox News - The new car will feature 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines capable of producing up to 760 horsepower.

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 will introduce a battery-based Energy Storage System (ESS) with roughly 14 times the storage capacity of the previous system.

WHERE:

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 will make its competitive debut at the start of the 2028 IndyCar season.

Motorsport.com - Track testing for the IR-28 will occur at venues including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Sebring International Raceway.

WHEN:

Motorsport.com - Initial testing for the IR-28 is set to begin immediately, with the competitive debut scheduled for the 2028 IndyCar season.

WHY:

Fox News - The update to the chassis is intended to enhance competition and safety standards in the IndyCar series, which has not seen a major chassis redesign in 15 years.

Motorsport.com - The redesign aims to set new benchmarks for motorsport competition while maintaining the series' distinct identity.

HOW:

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 will have a custom AXIS inertance suspension system that offers multi-mode spring, damper, and inerter tuning options without increasing costs.

Motorsport.com - The cockpit dimensions of the IR-28 are wider to accommodate a variety of driver heights and body structures, with improved internal airflow and driver cooling systems.

Motorsport.com - The IR-28 will feature advanced side-impact structures designed to absorb higher kinetic energy levels during high-speed lateral impacts.

Fox News - The IR-28 chassis incorporates new aerodynamic features, including redesigned front and rear wings for improved racing dynamics.

Motorsport.com - The chassis features electronically controlled driver-adjustable anti-roll bars and a custom AXIS inertance suspension system for enhanced performance.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 22:26 UTC)

The new IR-28 chassis has been unveiled, designed with innovative features like the Aeroscreen and hybrid powertrains, and it promises to offer more sponsorship space thanks to its unique body design. This cutting-edge chassis aims to break long-standing track records, including those at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway set in 1996, and will showcase real-time track position with a digital car position display during events. Additionally, the IR-28 will incorporate a custom AXIS inertance suspension system, wider cockpit dimensions for diverse driver needs, and advanced side-impact structures to enhance safety during high-speed racing.

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(UPDATED July 28, 2026 18:26 UTC)

IndyCar has unveiled the new IR-28 chassis, which will replace the DW12 that has been in use since 2012, with its competitive debut set for the start of the 2028 IndyCar season. The IR-28 is designed to be about 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor and will feature powerful 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines capable of producing up to 760 horsepower, along with a battery-based Energy Storage System that has roughly 14 times the capacity of the previous model. This redesign aims to enhance competition and safety standards in the series, incorporating new aerodynamic features and advanced technology to improve racing dynamics.